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Fire district pins personnel

By SUBURBAN LIFE MEDIA

March 19, 2014

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The 70-person staff of Barrington Countryside Protection District firefighter-paramedics were honored at an official pinning ceremony March 6 at district headquarters in Lake Barrington. Friends, family and community members attended in support of the district's widespread service.

LAKE BARRINGTON – Surrounded by hundreds of family members, friends, and local
leaders, the 70 members of the Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District (BCFPD) received their official service badges during a March 6 pinning ceremony that embraced the fire service’s rich traditions.

The ceremony, held at district headquarters, 22222 N Pepper Road in Lake Barrington, emphasized the district's commitment to recognizing the dedication and professionalism of each firefighter, as well as their commitment to serving district residents.

“We have worked to develop a culture that honors the importance of each individual
firefighter, but together, we will do far more than any of us could do alone,” BCFPD Jeff Swanson explained. “Everyone here makes up the ‘we.’ We deliver excellence
in service to all who live in, work in, and visit the district.”

District president Tom Rowan joined Swanson in presenting each firefighter with
their individual badge, which was then pinned to their uniform by family members. The
newly-pinned firefighters then took the oath of service.

“Every firefighter performs an act of bravery once in his career. That is when he takes
the oath of service,” Swanson said, quoting the New York City Fire Department’s
Deputy Chief of Rescue Operations, Raymond Downey, who was lost on 9/11. “After
that, everything is in the line of duty.”

Swanson also thanked the neighboring Fox River Grove Fire Protection District,
Hoffman Estates Fire Department, Lake Zurich Rural Fire Protection District and
Wauconda Fire District for providing emergency response coverage to the BCFPD during
the 45-minute ceremony, so that its on-duty personnel could attend.